The next few years will see Long Island emerge as one of the most concentrated soccer corridors in the Northeast, with four high‑profile teams scheduled to call the area home by 2028.
At the center of the professional push is a USL League One franchise owned by Glenn Schneider and Sara Whalen Hess, who will begin play at Hofstra University’s James M. Shuart Stadium in March 2028.
Joining them a year earlier, The Island F.C., an MLS NEXT Pro club, is slated to launch in Uniondale’s newly built 2,500‑seat arena, a facility designed to host community events as well as matches.
The Long Island Rough Riders, a storied amateur side dating back to 1994, continue to compete in USL League Two and the USL W League, having reached the League Two final in 2022 and finished third in the 2023 season.
The American Soccer Club New York Fighting Tomcats, co‑owned by Jim Kilmeade and Kevin Reardon, made their National Premier Soccer League debut in 2025, posted a 4‑2‑4 record, and secured their first playoff victory that July.
Most matches will be staged at three key venues: Mitchel Athletic Complex, Globall Sports Stadium in Uniondale, and Shuart Stadium on Hofstra’s campus, creating a network of outdoor venues that can accommodate thousands of fans.
Beyond the on‑field action, the developments promise year‑round training opportunities, economic spill‑over for local businesses, and a boost to youth soccer pathways across the region.
A New Era for Local Soccer Infrastructure
The planned expansion of facilities such as the Island F.C. academy, which envisions a 5,000‑seat stadium at Mitchel Athletic Complex, reflects a long‑term vision of sustainable growth rather than a short‑term spectacle.
Local media veteran Michael Lewis, who has chronicled 13 World Cups, seven Olympics and 28 MLS Cups, brings his expertise to the story, highlighting how the convergence of private investment and community passion could redefine the sport’s footprint on Long Island.